Homer, Heroic Blind 'Wonder Cat' Who Inspired Millions, Dies in New York at 16

Love isn't something you see with your eyes. I first wrote that sentence almost exactly five years ago. It was part of the cover letter I sent to literary agents, hoping one of them would agree to represent a book I'd written -- a memoir called Homer's Odyssey about my blind cat, Homer. Homer was then 11 years old, a healthy five-pound dynamo of a cat -- friendly, courageous and fiercely loyal. Of all the things I'd learned from him since he'd first entered my life as an abandoned three-week-old kitten, fresh from the surgery that would save his life but forever rob him of his vision, this one, simple idea seemed to say everything.
From Homer I'd learned that even the most "imperfect" of creatures is capable of loving with a deep and perfect love. All they need is someone to give them a chance.Now Homer is gone. He died a week ago today, in his own home, in his own bed, held in my arms. Homer was always a courageous fighter and a passionate lover. He even risked his own life to save mine, one terrifying Miami night, when he flung himself at a man who'd broken into my apartment while I slept, chasing the intruder out of my bedroom and all the way out the front door as I fumbled with the phone to call 911. As affectionate and delighted to meet new people as he'd always been, Homer -- lacking vision and therefore highly attuned to the varying sounds of my voice -- knew something was horribly wrong the moment he heard my gasp of terror. He didn't hesitate in that moment to fight -- as he always had, as he always would -- for the things and the human he loved.
But, in the end and after a prolonged illness, Homer was too tired to fight anymore. And I had to love him enough to let him go to sleep.

You can read more at the link. Gwen Cooper gave a good percentage of each of her books' sales to animal rescue groups.

There will be a huge turn out of Awesome Angels to meet Homer the Hero , to escort him to the scared area where Homer the Hero will get his wings of silver and gold.
There will be a huge party for Homer at the Bistro Andre and a huge party in his honor at the Hotel Les Brises.
Homer the Hero will be happy, but not truly happy until he meets his Guardian in love again.
One Fine Day

Rest in peace, dearest Homer, you are so greatly loved and so greatly missed and grieved. You are whole and healthy again at the Rainbow Bridge, looking out with delight at all the lovely creatures around you and down at earth to your own special love. Love is eternal, and you and she are together always, and you will welcome her HOME, One Fine Day.

To Homer's person, if you should see this, may your blessed memories and the inspiring saga of Homer's life help to bring you comfort. God bless you and him both.

I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
Death thought about it.
CATS, he said eventually. CATS ARE NICE.

Rest in Peace dear Homer - you were an inspiration to so many in your life and your legacy lives on. To Gwen Cooper, your loving Mom, my sincerest condolences - Homer's Odyssey is a story I will always remember.

Yours in Whiskers

I'm not young enough to know everything.

"The Best Mirror is an Old Friend"

“The secret of what is small is the secret of clear-sightedness; the guarding of what is soft and tender is the secret of strength.”